which of the two do you prefer and why?

I like being in control of my engine. Stick all the way. Auto is good too but it'll get to a point that the gear changes lag. It can't be started by gear too.

please dont be angry. This topic has been treated exhaustively. But you can still go on.
For me, it depends on your philosophy of driving.

I'm a petrol head. Got my neighbours complaining about it - a wonder I can't perform with auto.

Automatic vs Manual Transmission

source : http://www.bismarckmotorcompany.com/articles/automatic-vs-manual-transmission.htm

Automatic vs manual transmission does not have to be a difficult choice. Just ask yourself how comfortable you are with having to use a stick shift to go up and down through the gears. And then consider the price you are willing to pay for a vehicle. The automatic vs manual transmission has been going on years, but ultimately, you should be the judge and consider what is important to you in a vehicle.

Manual cars are highly fuel efficient, but difficult to drive, due to clutching and it's gear configurations, whereas automatic cars are very easy to drive, but consumes more fuel and you may have difficulty pushing an automatic car if it breaks down on the highway.

AutosBay:
Manual cars are highly fuel efficient, but difficult to drive, due to clutching and it's gear configurations, whereas automatic cars are very easy to drive, but consumes more fuel and you may have difficulty pushing an automatic car if it breaks down on the highway.

everyhing is hard if your are not taught

but if you invest time in being taught how to drive a manual you would drive one and you would find it that its easy